Academic Alerts
All instructors (graduate and undergraduate) are required to submit Academic Alerts for all students enrolled in their class(es). Reporting dates and detailed instructions are sent via Kean University email in advance of Academic Alert reporting.
Purpose of Academic Alerts Reports:
Academic Alerts serve to give students and faculty advisors (program coordinators for graduate students) early feedback on how students are performing in their classes. These reports are especially meant to give students an early warning if they are currently at-risk for earning a poor or failing final grade in a course. The Academic Alerts only indicates the student’s performance in the class at that time. Students are encouraged to consult with their instructors throughout the remainder of the class to ensure they are on track for the particular letter grade they are expecting. Academic Alerts are not meant to be an absolute predictor of final grades, since efforts throughout the entire semester will determine the final grade. These progress reports will be shared with the Center for Advising, Persistence, and Success (CAPS) staff, and faculty advisor(s) (and counselor for students in Veterans’ Student Services, the EOF Program, EPIC Program, the Bridge to Success Program, or Spanish Speaking/SUPERA Program)—so they may provide assistance to students encountering any academic difficulties.
Grade Types and Instructor Comments:
The Academic Alerts received for the course could be a grade, a comment, or both. Grades could be a “P” (Pass), “S” (Satisfactory), “U” (Unsatisfactory) or an A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D (undergraduate only), or F.
In addition to, or instead of, submitting a midterm grade for each student, instructors also have the option of submitting comments and including feedback regarding access to text materials, referrals for learning supports, and feedback whether a student's progress is unsatisfactory, satisfactory, or excellent.
If any Academic Alerts indicate early warning:
Kean University has a wide range of academic and student support services to help students succeed in courses, and students will have time to take actions that can result in improved final grades:
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Students having difficulty with the content of a particular course are encouraged to take advantage of the tutoring available for that course. Course instructors will refer students to the specialized tutoring available and/or visit the Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons for any additional, extensive tutorial services.
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Students with multiple class absences or missing assignments should speak with their course instructor to see if there is an opportunity to make up any of the work missed.
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Additionally for multiple absences and/or latenesses for a course, students should evaluate any on-going circumstances that are causing the problem—i.e., transportation and parking issues, work schedule, etc. Any adjustments that seem necessary to ensure attendance can be made. Remember that poor attendance is often the primary reason students earn poor or failing grades.
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Graduate students should meet with their program coordinators to discuss academic success strategies and academic support services that can help improve their grades.
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In some cases, students may elect to withdraw from classes based on their Academic Alerts. Keep in mind that course schedule changes may have financial aid implications. Students are encouraged to speak with their faculty instructor, program coordinator, and both a student accounting and financial aid representative before withdrawing from any classes. The last day to withdraw from a course(s) with a mark of “W” and no refund is published in the Academic Calendar on the Registrar’s webpage for each semester.
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Students needing additional information about grading policies and procedures should meet with their program coordinator, Executive Director/Chairperson to discuss such matters as minimum acceptable grades, special grade requirements of the intended major, GPA calculation, and/or the serious implications of earning failing grades. If a required course is failed, the course must be repeated. A pattern of failing grades can lead to academic probation/dismissal and/or loss of financial aid eligibility.
Kean University is dedicated to supporting students to succeed in their courses. The University offices/programs that can provide assistance and guidance include the program coordinator, Executive Director/Chairperson, the Counseling Center, and (as applicable) the EOF, EPIC, ESL, the Bridge to Success Program, Spanish Speaking/SUPERA Program, and Veterans’ Student Services. Students not sure where to go for assistance or information should be referred to the Center for Advising, Persistence, and Success (CAPS) in CAS 111. For additional information, visit the Center for Advising, Persistence, and Success (CAPS) website.
For more information about the Academic Alerts Reporting process, please consult your respective Executive Director, Chairperson, or Dean’s office.